Robots can wash your clothes and dishes?

Startup receives $400 million in funding to develop robots that help in the home

A combination of artificial intelligence (AI) and a robot that will wash clothes and do the dishes? Ideas that were once distant dreams may be slowly becoming reality. Haven't you ever wondered what having a robot helper in your home would be like?

Popular culture often portrays robots as very competent domestic helpers. However, while some people would like a robot to iron and color clothes, others dream of a more efficient "replacement" for a vacuum cleaner. This seems like a seemingly good idea: while the robot washes clothes and does the dishes, a human being, for example, can rest. Although some people have imagined this scenario for decades, there is one main reason why we have not reached it^[1].

Despite decades of research into AI and robotics, integrating these technologies logically and inexpensively into everyday life is still a huge challenge. There is also a gap in philosophical and ethical considerations. In other words, how to decide what can be done by humans and what can be automated. In addition, it is considered whether it might be more important to concentrate efforts on developing robots for specific roles instead of housework. Examples include healthcare, where there are usually long waiting lists and hospitals are understaffed, or education, so that, say, children who are very anxious or seriously ill can participate remotely in the classroom.

However, the dream of robots doing the laundry and cooking the meals remains just as big^[2]. 

"This autumn, Physical Intelligence, a start-up based in the United States, received €400 million in funding from a group including Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and OpenAI. Now, an even bolder step is being taken towards robots in the home. The funding, in turn, reflects the interest and potential in this area.

A universally available home robot may be a long way off

A video of a prototype robot folding laundry, making coffee and setting the table was shown on 31 October. However, the company pointed out that while winning a game of chess or discovering a new drug in the AI is relatively easy, folding a shirt or wiping the table requires the robot to turn its head...

It is well-known that AI is a branch of computer science that models human intelligence in machines. It is essentially software. Conversely, robotics refers to machines: physical, mechanical things that can do things like pour a glass of wine, put dirty dishes in the dishwasher, put a flower in a vase, or bake an omelet. But domestic tasks require hardware - a body with arms and hands that can interact with the world around it and control objects of different sizes and textures. Simply put, it is difficult to create a robot that can perform all the physical actions that a human body can. Moreover, these innovations can be very expensive and it is unknown to what extent they would be brought to the market.

For example, in 2010, Willow Garage, a robotics company, hoped that by giving away $4 million worth of robots to 11 researchers, it would be able to advance the field of general-purpose robots^[3]. However, only one graduate robot made progress in folding towels, so the start-up was closed in 2014. A few years later, Foldimate debuted with a laundry-folding robot costing USD 980, but it could not distinguish between sheets and towels or baby clothes. Its "career" ended around 2020.

A robot developed in the early 2000s could carry drinks

Until now, most robots have been used in controlled environments, such as factories or warehouses, where they can be programmed to perform the same movement repeatedly. However, for robots to be successful in real life, they need to be able to perceive their environment and react appropriately to it. So scientists are still working to make robots smarter. While there have been advances in household technology - from robotic vacuum cleaners to robotic lawnmowers - we have yet to see a humanoid walking around the house wearing an apron. 

On the other hand, humanoids are not a new concept. 

For example, Honda's ASIMO, developed in the early 2000s, was able to perform a few menial tasks, such as carrying drinks.

E. Musk unveils €28,485 worth of robots for housekeeping and childcare

Elon Musk recently unveiled an army of $30,000 (€28,485) Optimus robots to help with household chores, including childcare.

"It can walk the dog, mow the lawn, buy groceries or just be a friend," Musk said. He says Robots will take over many household tasks in the future.

While the possible future scenario sounds like a science fiction movie's plot, some people criticize it and welcome it. However, just eight months ago, tycoon Elon warned that a robot uprising may be imminent; he believes there will come a time when AI will outsmart humanity, perhaps as early as the end of next year. He adds that there will be more robots than humans in the future. It is unknown how valid these claims are, but every year, exponential amounts of money are spent on AI projects.

Billions of dollars are invested in developing AI technologies worldwide every year^[4]. The AI market is expected to grow to USD 184 billion in 2024, a jump of almost USD 50 billion compared to 2023. The staggering growth is expected to continue and the market could exceed USD 826 billion by 2030.